Perkins was unstoppable when he got the football, scoring three times on the ground and also spinning a screen pass from Connor Lemieux into a 50-yard score.

“He’s unbelievable, and we try to find ways to get the ball to Quinton,” said Fitchburg coach Ray Cosenza, his team now 5-3.

“When we’re behind, the team looks to me,” said Perkins. “I’m not a greedy kid, but I want the ball in my hands, and I love being able to do it.”

On its opening possession, the Rams plowed forward out of the double wing, moving from their own 26 to the Fitchburg end zone in 13 plays. Anthony Wilga blasted up the middle for the final 5 yards and Brad Picard added a two-point rush for an 8-0 lead.

After a Fitchburg three-and-out — the Red Raiders’ only downs of the first quarter — Shepherd Hill (5-3) mounted another drive from its 40. Sparked by Kyle Amico’s 34-yard sideline gain, the Rams increased their lead to 14-0 on Wilga’s 1-yard score on the first play of the second quarter.

“We came back and scored 30 unanswered points, and that shows the character of our kids,” said Cosenza, who put out the call for Perkins.

He shifted Perkins from wideout to quarterback in the shotgun, and the speedy senior sparked the Raiders’ comeback, cutting the lead to 14-6 with a 2-yard score, then tying the game with 25 seconds left in the first half. Perkins took in a screen pass from Connor Lemieux along the sideline for a 50-yard score. He added the 2-point rush to tie the game, 14-14.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Perkins show heated up again early in the fourth. Lemieux and Dimitri Brasili helped lead the team into the red zone, and Perkins scored a 9-yard TD.

The Red Raiders’ defense stood tough against the Rams in the second half. With 3:31 left, Perkins added a nifty 15-yard rushing score.

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